The loss of a loved one is always devastating and can lead to many challenges including mastering the UK tax and inheritance system, all whilst grieving.

However confronting the process can seem, it is worth remembering that inheriting property is actually very common and there is plenty of advice available regarding the process.

Although saying that, often the complexities are when a property is inherited between two or more siblings, resulting in decisions to be made regarding how the property is to be shared.

This article will discuss the process as well as other considerations to be thought through when buying a share of inherited property from a sibling.

What are the First Steps When Someone Passes Away?

Following the death of a family member, the first step would be to establish if a will was put in place.

If there is a will, the nominated executor of the estate will be required to apply for probate, the judicial process where the will is given consent by a court of law.

Following the grant of probate, the executor of the estate will be able to oversee the process of the evaluation of the assets that make up the estate of the loved one who
has passed away.

This process includes; settling any bills and distributing any assets that remain in accordance with the details within the will.

The typical timeframe of the process to be granted probate often can take anywhere between 4 and 8 weeks.

It is strongly advised that shortly after a bereavement, that professional advice is sought so that the family are supported throughout the process, advised appropriately and ensuring the necessary legal requirements and deadlines are met.

Find a mortgage

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

Property Inherited by Siblings

Once the property has been legally inherited by siblings, there could still be decisions to be made should the property wish to be retained in the family, rather than be sold and the finances split.

Decisions would involve how the property is to be shared, for example, the type of joint ownership to be pursued with, either as joint tenants and tenants in common or should one sibling choose to move in, then the process of buying out other siblings would need to be undertaken.

In any complex scenario with siblings involved, it is highly recommended to seek legal advice so that an informed decision can be made.

One Sibling Buying out Another

Should all parties agree that the inherited property should remain within the family’s ownership but one sibling is to buy out another, then a document is required to be submitted to the land registry with both signatures of the siblings, along with the grant of probate.

The sibling seeking to buy out the other(s), will require the funds available to do so, either by cash or a mortgage offer in place.

It is also worth noting that all the usual expenses to purchase property will still be required such as legal fees, mortgage fees and stamp duty, if applicable.

As you can see, there are many factors at play with regard to inherited property and the legal and tax consequences on both sides of the transaction, and therefore it is always highly recommended that independent legal and tax advice is sought as required, ahead of any decisions or transactions.

Find a Mortgage

Related guides: 

What Happens if Siblings Cannot Agree and a Forced Sale is Needed?

Should there be a disagreement with regards to which approach to take in relation to sharing an inherited property and communications break down, an application to force the sale of a property can be made to the courts, in certain situations.

The court application would be for an Order for Sale under The Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, as both or all siblings will hold the property under a trust of land.

Courts will review an application to force the sale of the property against the following points:

  • The intentions of all parties or siblings when the property was put into trust, for example when the property was inherited
  • The purpose of the trust
  • The welfare of any trustees who are minors, or those minors who may occupy the property
  • The interest of any secured creditors

Should the sale be needed in relation to probate, the sibling who is selling the property can also request an emergency grant of probate allowing the property to be put up for sale after 10-14 days.

Related guides: 

Other Considerations or Scenarios

Another situation could be that siblings inherit a property that has an outstanding mortgage in place.

Again, this can be another complex situation, that could require specialist advice and further research to be undertaken to establish if the person who has passed away had any type of life insurance policy in place that could be used to claim against and therefore pay off the mortgage.

Summary

As discussed there are many complexities when it comes to individual circumstances, family politics, the legal process and the taxes payable, and therefore seeking professional advice as soon as possible following the death of a loved one is highly recommended.

Please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team of advisors to book an initial consultation to discuss the options available to you.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or feel free to contact us. One of our advisors will be happy to talk through all of your options with you.

Buying a property can sometimes feel like a long process, from applying for a mortgage, house hunting and completing the legal process to finally getting the keys.

When a home buyer is nearing the end of this process, there may be questions regarding how and when the mortgage funds will be released.

In this article, we will explore what mortgage funds are, the process that lenders follow to release them and typical timeframes.

At What Stages are Funds Needed?

Following an offer to purchase a property being accepted by the vendor, the solicitors acting for both parties can begin the process of legally transferring the property.

When contracts are exchanged between the parties, there is a legal agreement binding the vendor and purchaser to buy or sell the property.

The contract will detail the property purchase price as well as any other terms and conditions that have been proposed by either party throughout the negotiations.

The cleared deposit funds will be needed to be with the solicitor prior to completion.

Therefore, deposit funds must be transferred to the solicitors from the purchaser. It is likely that this transaction will involve moving a large sum of money and therefore usually a specific type of bank transfer is required

Following the exchange of contract, a completion statement is generated by the solicitor, breaking down the balances owed including any stamp duty and solicitor fees payable.

Next, a transfer deed is prepared, again by the solicitor to arrange the legal change of ownership of the property and then the solicitor will draw the mortgage funds from the lender ahead of completion, to ensure that cleared funds are available for the completion.

The solicitor will send the full payment for the property to the seller’s solicitor and in return, receive the title deeds.

As you can see, there are a number of stages that take place during the process of purchasing a property and funds needs to be both received and cleared in time for each step.

Find a mortgage

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

How Long Does It Take to Release Mortgage Funds?

The timeframe in which it takes for mortgage funds to be released does vary between lenders, however, it is common for funds to be released within between 3 and 7 days.

A solicitor can request the funds from the lender slightly earlier, ahead of the proposed date of completion to enable extra time for the funds to be received and cleared.

How Long can a solicitor Hold Mortgage Funds?

Each lender will have set rules regarding the duration of time that a solicitor can hold mortgage funds. If the funds are not used, either in their entirety or partially, the solicitors must return the funds back to the mortgage lender.

Money Laundering Checks

As we have discussed, time must be allowed throughout the process to ensure that funds are clear following being moved between banks.

In addition to this, checks must be undertaken to ensure the source of the funds in relation to Anti-money laundering, or AML legislation.

The AML regulations aim to stop criminals using professional services to launder money within the UK and cover a range of entities including the selling estate agent, the mortgage lender and the solicitor – therefore don’t be alarmed if you are asked to prove the source of funds multiple times.

The law stipulates that prospective mortgage applicants must provide proof of:

  • their identity
  • their address
  • the source of funds to comply with anti-money laundering regulations

There is an approved list of documentation that can be provided as evidence to meet the criteria of the AML checks, including passports, driving licences, bank account statements for savings accounts, mortgage in principle documentation or evidence that monies have been gifted or received in a will for example.

Solicitors may ask additional questions if needed and request further documentation in certain situations, such as if the buyer is a cash buyer.

Find a Mortgage

Related guides: 

How can the Process be Sped Up?

The process of buying a property can feel at times, like it may never conclude, however, we have discussed there are reasons why additional checks are undertaken and the fact that funds need to be cleared in order for the next steps to take place.

Such legal processes cannot be sped up or rushed however, you can ensure that everything is in place to help the process run as smoothly as possible by:

  • Ensuring that deposit funds are in an accessible place and have cleared in plenty of time
  • Ensure that you have available funds to pay the solicitor when instructed
  • Ensure that funds are available to pay any additional fees such as Stamp Duty
  • Ensure you have proof of the source of the funds

Related guides: 

How Long Does It Take to Release Mortgage Funds Summary

In this post, we have explored the legal process of buying property including the steps at which cleared funds need to be available and the reasons why the sources of funds are checked.

Should you have any queries regarding your personal financial situation, or the mortgage process, please get in touch with our friendly team for further mortgage advice.

Please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team of advisors to book an initial consultation to discuss the options available to you.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or feel free to contact us. One of our advisors will be happy to talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: 

If you are a first-time buyer, the mortgage process may be all new to you.

The terminology, order of events and approval stages may all be confusing at first.

This guide will help to clarify the stages, focusing on the property valuation including whether or not a valuation results in a mortgage approval.

What is a Property Valuation?

Firstly, let’s explore what a property valuation is, and at which stage a valuation is undertaken.

Following a mortgage application, the initial first checks are undertaken on the applicant’s backgrounds and current financial position in order for the lender to offer an agreement in principle.

This is a document confirming that the lender will provisionally lend a set amount of money for a mortgage providing that further checks, which may include a property valuation are completed and are satisfactory to the lender.

An agreement in principle is typically valid for 30 or 90- days from the date of being obtained, and therefore the remaining elements of the application process and further legal steps are to be concluded during this timeframe.

In some circumstances, an extension to the timeframe may be requested, however, the lender will consider the circumstances on a case-by-case basis, and therefore an extension is not guaranteed.

A property valuation or valuation survey is the process undertaken via approved surveyors, authorised by the lender to report back on the property’s current condition and value, in order to proceed with a mortgage.

Traditionally a surveyor would visit the proposed property that the mortgage applicant would like to purchase to undertake the survey, however sometimes these days, surveyors can rely on information found online in order to compile their assessment of the property, depending on the directions of the lender.

Some lenders will charge for the service of a property valuation to be undertaken, whilst others offer free valuations in order to process mortgage applications therefore charges differ between lenders.

Find a mortgage

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

Does a Property Valuation Mean a Mortgage Application is Approved?

There are a number of situations that can result in a mortgage application being declined even once a property valuation has been undertaken, as follows:

  •  The property’s condition – Should the surveyor report back to the lender that the property is in a condition that does not meet the criteria of the lender, this could affect the lending decision. The lending criteria can vary between lenders, however, if the property is not habitable in its current position or has structural problems, most lenders will not offer a standard mortgage against it. Should this situation arise, there may be other options to obtaining the funds such as development finance.
  • The property’s value – Should the value of the property change from the original estimates, the loan to value ratio in relation to a mortgage is also likely to alter. The loan to value is the ratio between the property value and the deposit or equity held and this affects the interest rate applicable.
  • The applicant – Lenders may still be completing various checks on the mortgage applicants during the same timeframe that a property valuation has been requested and therefore if something is found during the checks that do not meet the lending criteria, the mortgage application could still be declined. Examples include:
    • An applicant fail additional financial affordability checks
    • Details of a previous County Court Judgement are found, or any dishonesty of fraudulent claims are discovered.
    • Personal circumstances change since the application was made such as the applicant is made redundant
    • Insufficient duration of self-employed income
    • Concerns involving the applicant’s rights to live in the UK

How Long does it take to Obtain a Mortgage Offer Following a Property Valuation Taking Place?

As the agreement in principle is likely only to be based on the income of the applicant(s) and the credit score(s). Further background checks of the applicant(s) and the property valuation usually follow this initial step.

The timeframe of the property valuation will vary depending on whether the surveyor visits the property or if the process is undertaken using online resources.

Should a surveyor visit the property and prepare a report following this, the valuation will usually take a few days depending on how busy the surveying practice is.

Whereas a desktop report could be undertaken and returned within a few hours. You can pay for an alternative type of valuation should a more in-depth valuation be required.

Find a Mortgage

Related guides: 

Using a Mortgage Broker

Mortgage applicants that use a mortgage broker often find that specific, tailored advice is provided before a mortgage application is submitted, ensuring that the financial products considered are the most appropriate to them.

Brokers are able to search the market and therefore have access to a wide range of financial products and different lenders, to be able to compare mortgage terms for applicants.

Once an application is submitted to the chosen lender, the brokers remain on hand throughout the process to ensure that queries are handled promptly, and that completion takes place as soon and as smoothly as possible.

Related guides: 

Does a Valuation Mean that a Mortgage is Approved Summary

A property valuation takes place during a mortgage application to ensure that the condition and value of the property are as expected and meets the lender’s mortgage criteria.

Surveyors are instructed to undertake property valuations either via an in-person visit to the property or by using online resources to create a report which is sent to the lender to review.

Unfortunately, even when a property valuation is submitted, this does not guarantee that a mortgage will be approved as the lender will need to review the details of the report.

They will ensure that the property condition and value meet the lending criteria, whilst continuing with the underwriting process including further checks on the mortgage applicants.

Please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team of advisors to book an initial consultation to discuss the options available to you.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or feel free to contact us. One of our advisors will be happy to talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: 

If you are a first-time buyer, the mortgage process may be all new to you.

The terminology, order of events and approval stages may all be confusing at first.

This guide will help to clarify the stages, focusing on the property valuation including whether or not a valuation results in a mortgage approval.

What is a Property Valuation?

Firstly, let’s explore what a property valuation is, and at which stage a valuation is undertaken.

Following a mortgage application, the initial first checks are undertaken on the applicant’s backgrounds and current financial position in order for the lender to offer an agreement in principle.

This is a document confirming that the lender will provisionally lend a set amount of money for a mortgage providing that further checks, which may include a property valuation are completed and are satisfactory to the lender.

An agreement in principle is typically valid for 30 or 90- days from the date of being obtained, and therefore the remaining elements of the application process and further legal steps are to be concluded during this timeframe.

In some circumstances, an extension to the timeframe may be requested, however, the lender will consider the circumstances on a case-by-case basis, and therefore an extension is not guaranteed.

A property valuation or valuation survey is the process undertaken via approved surveyors, authorised by the lender to report back on the property’s current condition and value, in order to proceed with a mortgage.

Traditionally a surveyor would visit the proposed property that the mortgage applicant would like to purchase to undertake the survey, however sometimes these days, surveyors can rely on information found online in order to compile their assessment of the property, depending on the directions of the lender.

Some lenders will charge for the service of a property valuation to be undertaken, whilst others offer free valuations in order to process mortgage applications therefore charges differ between lenders.

Find a mortgage

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

Does a Property Valuation Mean a Mortgage Application is Approved?

There are a number of situations that can result in a mortgage application being declined even once a property valuation has been undertaken, as follows:

  •  The property’s condition – Should the surveyor report back to the lender that the property is in a condition that does not meet the criteria of the lender, this could affect the lending decision. The lending criteria can vary between lenders, however, if the property is not habitable in its current position or has structural problems, most lenders will not offer a standard mortgage against it. Should this situation arise, there may be other options to obtaining the funds such as development finance.
  • The property’s value – Should the value of the property change from the original estimates, the loan to value ratio in relation to a mortgage is also likely to alter. The loan to value is the ratio between the property value and the deposit or equity held and this affects the interest rate applicable.
  • The applicant – Lenders may still be completing various checks on the mortgage applicants during the same timeframe that a property valuation has been requested and therefore if something is found during the checks that do not meet the lending criteria, the mortgage application could still be declined. Examples include:
    • An applicant fail additional financial affordability checks
    • Details of a previous County Court Judgement are found, or any dishonesty of fraudulent claims are discovered.
    • Personal circumstances change since the application was made such as the applicant is made redundant
    • Insufficient duration of self-employed income
    • Concerns involving the applicant’s rights to live in the UK

How Long does it take to Obtain a Mortgage Offer Following a Property Valuation Taking Place?

As the agreement in principle is likely only to be based on the income of the applicant(s) and the credit score(s). Further background checks of the applicant(s) and the property valuation usually follow this initial step.

The timeframe of the property valuation will vary depending on whether the surveyor visits the property or if the process is undertaken using online resources.

Should a surveyor visit the property and prepare a report following this, the valuation will usually take a few days depending on how busy the surveying practice is.

Whereas a desktop report could be undertaken and returned within a few hours. You can pay for an alternative type of valuation should a more in-depth valuation be required.

Find a Mortgage

Related guides: 

Using a Mortgage Broker

Mortgage applicants that use a mortgage broker often find that specific, tailored advice is provided before a mortgage application is submitted, ensuring that the financial products considered are the most appropriate to them.

Brokers are able to search the market and therefore have access to a wide range of financial products and different lenders, to be able to compare mortgage terms for applicants.

Once an application is submitted to the chosen lender, the brokers remain on hand throughout the process to ensure that queries are handled promptly, and that completion takes place as soon and as smoothly as possible.

Related guides: 

Does a Valuation Mean that a Mortgage is Approved Summary

A property valuation takes place during a mortgage application to ensure that the condition and value of the property are as expected and meets the lender’s mortgage criteria.

Surveyors are instructed to undertake property valuations either via an in-person visit to the property or by using online resources to create a report which is sent to the lender to review.

Unfortunately, even when a property valuation is submitted, this does not guarantee that a mortgage will be approved as the lender will need to review the details of the report.

They will ensure that the property condition and value meet the lending criteria, whilst continuing with the underwriting process including further checks on the mortgage applicants.

Please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team of advisors to book an initial consultation to discuss the options available to you.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or feel free to contact us. One of our advisors will be happy to talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: 

Which mortgage lenders accept benefits in the UK? (Universal Credit). 

The acceptance of pension and state benefit income will vary between mortgage lenders, as not all lenders will accept each type of benefit.

Most lenders will require a mix of types of income rather than solely income by benefits.

This is to lower the risk to lenders from the impact of changes in government decision making within each budget.

This article will explore which types of benefits are commonly accepted as part of the income of a mortgage application, and which types of documentation will need to be supplied for an application.

How does Being a Benefit Recipient Impact a Mortgage Application?

Income calculations and affordability criteria will need to be met before a mortgage offer can be made.

In addition, some benefits are considered riskier to lenders, and therefore not all lenders are prepared to accept certain benefits as income.

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

Can I Obtain a Mortgage if on a Low Income and Receive Benefits?

Yes, technically neither a low income nor being a benefit recipient will stop a mortgage company from reviewing an application, however, there are other factors that will need to be met before a mortgage offer will be made.

Affordability will be a lenders main concern with a low-income applicant therefore it is worth checking the lender’s criteria before applying, and if any doubt always seeks the advice of a specialised mortgage broker ahead of making any applications. It is worth noting that if mortgage applications are declined, it may negatively impact your credit score, therefore advice should be sought ahead of applying for mortgages.

Apply for a mortgage today

Which Benefits are Commonly Accepted by Lenders as Approved Income for a Mortgage Application?

Typically, the following benefits are commonly accepted:

  • Attendance Allowance Benefit
  • Carer’s Allowance Benefit
  • Child Benefit
  • Child Tax Credit Benefit
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Housing Benefits
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Industrial Injuries Benefit
  • Maternity Allowance Benefit
  • Pension Credit Benefit
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Widow’s Pension Benefit
  • Working Tax Credit Benefit

Some lenders will accept all of the above lists at 100% of the benefit value, whereas others will only allow a proportion of the allowance within the total income calculation, along with other sources of income. In addition, some benefits are time-sensitive and therefore may not be taken into account by some mortgage lenders as the eligibility will expire, such as child benefit due to the age of the children.

Apply for a mortgage today

Lots of high streets and other lenders will accept benefit income. However, lenders can change their lending policy at any time. If you are a benefit recipient, it is always worth checking with a mortgage broker for the latest lenders who are prepared to offer mortgages to those applicants in receipt of benefits.

Related guides: 

Is There any Additional Help Available to Potential Mortgage Applicants on Benefits?

Yes, there are a range of government-backed schemed for specific groups of benefit recipients such as HOLD, a shared ownership scheme for people with long-term disability or if you are already a mortgage holder and are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance, you may be eligible for support for mortgage interest.

Can I get a Buy-to-Let mortgage on Benefits?

Yes, some lenders will accept benefit income on a mortgage application for a buy-to-let property, however, the choice of lenders may be limited.

If you are seeking a buy-to-let property it is highly recommended that an appointment with a mortgage broker is arranged to review your personal circumstances, financial objects and the whole market of financial products to find the most appropriate mortgage available, on the best terms.

How many mortgages can I Obtain as a Benefit Recipient?

Unfortunately, due to the range of factors involved, there is not a simple answer to the mortgage value that will be offered. How much mortgage will vary case by case, depending on other income streams, equity or assets that can be recorded as collateral for the lender, the personal circumstances of the applicant, affordability and the applicant’s credit score?

Related guides: 

What Happens if Your Circumstances Change?

If you are already a mortgage holder when your circumstances change, it is always worth seeking financial advice as soon as possible and being honest with the mortgage lender. There is often a range of options available to a lender to be able to provide assistance to the mortgage holder, depending on the nature of the change in circumstances.

Apply for a mortgage today

Mortgage lenders that accept benefits summary

As we have discussed, there is a wide range of lenders that often will be prepared to review mortgage applications from those in receipt of benefits, however, the type of benefit accepted, and ratio taken into income calculations will vary between lenders.

It is highly recommended that benefit recipients seek the advice of a mortgage broker ahead of making any mortgage applications, to ensure that the whole of the market has been searched prior to an application, ensuring that the lender is suitable and that the best rates and terms have been found.

Brokers can also provide assistance throughout the application process, ensuring that that all terms are fully understood before an application is made, all documentation required is checked before the application submission and that each stage is followed up with the potential lender to aid with a smooth process. Call to book your consultation with our friendly team today.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or feel free to contact us. One of our advisors will be happy to talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: 

Navigating the landscape of mortgage applications can be complex, especially when it involves income from benefits such as Universal Credit.

The acceptance criteria for pension and state benefit income as part of a mortgage application significantly vary among lenders.

Not every lender is open to considering every type of benefit, and most prefer a diverse mix of income sources to mitigate risks associated with shifts in government policies and budgetary decisions.

In this article, we will delve into the types of benefits that are most commonly recognized by mortgage lenders in the UK.

We’ll also outline the necessary documentation you’ll need to prepare for your mortgage application.

By understanding these details, you can better navigate the process and identify lenders that align with your financial situation.

How does being a Benefit Recipient Impact a Mortgage Application?

Income calculations and affordability criteria will need to be met before a mortgage offer can be made.

In addition, some benefits are considered riskier to lenders, and therefore not all lenders are prepared to accept certain benefits as income.

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

Can I Obtain a Mortgage if on a Low Income and Receive Benefits?

Yes, technically neither a low income nor being a benefit recipient will stop a mortgage company from reviewing an application, however, there are other factors that will need to be met before a mortgage offer will be made.

Affordability will be a lenders main concern with a low-income applicant, therefore it is worth checking the lender’s criteria before applying, and if any doubt always seeks the advice of a specialised mortgage broker ahead of making any applications.

It is worth noting that if mortgage applications are declined, it may negatively impact your credit score, therefore advice should be sought ahead of applying for mortgages.

Apply for a mortgage today

Which Benefits are Commonly Accepted by Lenders as Approved Income for a Mortgage Application?

Typically, the following benefits are commonly accepted:

  • Attendance Allowance Benefit
  • Carer’s Allowance Benefit
  • Child Benefit
  • Child Tax Credit Benefit
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Housing Benefits
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Industrial Injuries Benefit
  • Maternity Allowance Benefit
  • Pension Credit Benefit
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Widow’s Pension Benefit
  • Working Tax Credit Benefit

Some lenders will accept all of the above lists at 100% of the benefit value, whereas others will only allow a proportion of the allowance within the total income calculation, along with other sources of income. In addition, some benefits are time-sensitive and therefore may not be taken into account by some mortgage lenders as the eligibility will expire, such as child benefit due to the age of the children.

Apply for a mortgage today

Lots of high streets and other lenders will accept benefit income. However, lenders can change their lending policy at any time. If you are a benefit recipient, it is always worth checking with a mortgage broker for the latest lenders who are prepared to offer mortgages to those applicants in receipt of benefits.

Related guides: 

Is There any Additional Help Available to Potential Mortgage Applicants on Benefits?

Yes, there are a range of government-backed schemed for specific groups of benefit recipients such as HOLD, a shared ownership scheme for people with long-term disability or if you are already a mortgage holder and are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance, you may be eligible for support for mortgage interest.

Can I get a Buy-to-Let mortgage on Benefits?

Yes, some lenders will accept benefit income on a mortgage application for a buy-to-let property, however, the choice of lenders may be limited.

If you are seeking a buy-to-let property it is highly recommended that an appointment with a mortgage broker is arranged to review your personal circumstances, financial objects and the whole market of financial products to find the most appropriate mortgage available, on the best terms.

How many mortgages can I Obtain as a Benefit Recipient?

Unfortunately, due to the range of factors involved, there is not a simple answer to the mortgage value that will be offered.

How much mortgage will vary case by case, depending on other income streams, equity or assets that can be recorded as collateral for the lender, the personal circumstances of the applicant, affordability and the applicant’s credit score?

Related guides: 

What happens if Your Circumstances Change?

If you are already a mortgage holder when your circumstances change, it is always worth seeking financial advice as soon as possible and being honest with the mortgage lender.

There is often a range of options available to a lender to be able to provide assistance to the mortgage holder, depending on the nature of the change in circumstances.

Apply for a mortgage today

Mortgage lenders that accept benefits summary

As we have discussed, there is a wide range of lenders that will often be prepared to review mortgage applications from those in receipt of benefits, however, the type of benefit accepted, and ratio taken into income calculations will vary between lenders.

It is highly recommended that benefit recipients seek the advice of a mortgage broker ahead of making any mortgage applications, to ensure that the whole of the market has been searched prior to an application, ensuring that the lender is suitable and that the best rates and terms have been found.

Brokers can also provide assistance throughout the application process, ensuring that that all terms are fully understood before an application is made, all documentation required is checked before the application submission and that each stage is followed up with the potential lender to aid with a smooth process.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or feel free to contact us. One of our advisors will be happy to talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: 

Mortgage advisors are regularly asked general questions such as ‘Can I extend my Interest-only mortgage term?’ however, without knowing the applicant’s full personal circumstances, we cannot easily provide a simple answer.

A typical interest-only mortgage term will range between 5 and 25 years however there are mortgage products on the market providing longer repayment terms of up to 40 years depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Lenders who offer interest-only mortgages will have their own mortgage terms and lending criteria therefore there is not a simple yes or no answer as to if a mortgage term can be extended.

There are many variables involved including; if the personal circumstances of the mortgage holder have changed during the original mortgage term and depending on if an interest-only extension period is only required in the short term, or over the longer term.

In this guide, we will explore elements that impact whether or not an interest-only mortgage term can be extended.

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

Interest Only Mortgages

What is an Interest-Only Mortgage?

An interest-only mortgage is a financial product that enables borrowing to fund a property however the mortgage holder is only required to pay the interest attributable to the loan each month, during an agreed term.

Interest-only mortgage repayments are often considerably cheaper than a standard, repayment mortgage, sometimes around half the monthly cost which can make the financial product very appealing however it is worth bearing in mind that once the mortgage term is concluded, the capital loan is still due and therefore a strategy to repay this will still be required.

Interest-only mortgages are commonly used by Landlords or Property investors who will either sell the property at the end of the mortgage term or seek to refinance.

Apply for a mortgage today

For a typical home buyer, although the lower monthly payments are attractive, the borrower would need to plan to repay the capital, either by savings or investment pay-outs to keep the property at the end of the term. Therefore, interest-only mortgages are not generally recommended unless the homeowner has significant equity and a plan to repay the capital.

Following the UK’s 2008 financial crash, the number of interest-only mortgages available on the market decreased dramatically due to the level of risks involved for the lender.

Over recent years the number of lenders offering interest-only mortgages have started to increase again, however, the levels are nowhere near the pre-financial crisis numbers.

Should you be interested in an interest-only mortgage, it is highly recommended that you approach a mortgage broker to assist as brokers have access to the whole market to best placed to locate the best deal available.

How can I pay off my outstanding interest-only debt?

The easiest way to pay off outstanding debt is to sell your property and use the proceeds from the sale to pay off the outstanding balance.

Although, for many homeowners, this is not feasible since they will have paid a small deposit and so be in negative equity, meaning that the property sale will not raise enough money to pay off the mortgage.

Related guides: 

What Terms are Commonly Available for Interest-Only Mortgages?

Residential interest-only mortgage lenders will have strict criteria, which often means that interest-only mortgages are not commonly available to first-time buyers, as the loan to value rate is often capped at 50%, therefore large deposits are needed.

While some lenders restrict their offering of interest-only mortgages only to high-income earners, earning over £100,000 a year.

Lenders will also need to know the repayment strategy for the capital at the end of the mortgage term.

Interest-only, buy-to-let mortgages are more widely available however are specifically designed for investors to finance a property to let out, and not live within it.

Can Interest-Only Mortgages be Obtained for the Short-term?

Interest-only mortgages are available on a short-term basis in some circumstances, for example, should an applicant know that a lump sum from investments will be available within a set timeframe to settle the capital.

The costs of an interest-only short-term mortgage should be compared with other types of short-term borrowing such as bridging loans, before committing.

Apply for a mortgage today

As we have discussed, the lenders set their criteria and therefore for further advice on which lenders offer short term interest-only mortgages can be sought from specialist brokers who often have access to the entire financial market and can therefore provide a range of quotes.

Related guides: 

Mortgage extensions – Can I extend my mortgage terms instead?

Some mortgage lenders may consider extending the term on an interest-only mortgage however it is not guaranteed.

There may be the option of switching to an interest-only mortgage with another lender however this would depend on the personal circumstances of the applicant and whether they can meet the lending criteria available.

If a mortgage term extension cannot be obtained, other options may be available such as other borrowing methods including switching to a standard repayment mortgage or bridging loan, paying off the mortgage (if this is an option), or selling the property.

If you are considering extending your mortgage term or switching financial products, it would be worth discussing your options with a mortgage broker, to obtain expert advice as well as compare deals available.

Eligibility Criteria for an Extension to an Interest-Only Mortgage Term

As discussed earlier, the lending criteria for interest-only mortgages is quite strict and there are a streamlined number of lenders offering interest-only mortgages. There are many variables that would impact a lender’s decision on whether to extend the mortgage term on an interest-only mortgage including, the age of the applicant, their personal circumstances and if the applicant still meets the lending criteria.

One element that will likely impact a lender’s decision is if the proposed extension would extend into the applicant’s retirement, as affordability often is a concern to lenders.

Before approaching your current lender or applying to another lender it’s highly recommended to seek expert advice to review all of the circumstances and propose options.

What about Remortgaging?

You could opt to remortgage your property, which in some cases can reduce the interest amounts, allowing you to pay more of the capital component of your mortgage off.

However, bear in mind that if you do want to remortgage, you will need to go through the mortgage application process, meaning things like your outgoings and affordability will be reviewed.

Apply for a mortgage today

Extending Your Mortgage Terms Summary

Interest-only mortgages can be obtained, both in the short-term and over the long term depending on the personal circumstances of the mortgage applicant.

A repayment method is required to cover the capital at the end of the mortgage term and the lender would require details of the repayment strategy upon application.

Interest-only mortgages are harder to come by compared with before the financial crisis due to the level of risks involved for the lenders, however, they do serve a purpose in certain situations.

Should you be considering an Interest-only mortgage, contact our friendly team to book an initial consultation to review if this option is the most suitable and cost-effective for your requirements.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or feel free to contact us. One of our advisors will be happy to talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: 

There are many assumptions made when it comes to the cost of mortgages including that mortgage payments are in line with local rental prices, however in reality calculating an average monthly mortgage repayment is not a straightforward task as there are many variables.

The cost of each mortgage repayment will vary between applicants depending on:

  • The value of the mortgage.
  • An applicant’s personal circumstances.
  • The types of mortgage product.
  • The interest rate applied.
  • The length of the mortgage term.
  • Other fees that may be applicable.

In this guide, we will explore further the varying factors that impact the cost of mortgage repayments.

Apply for a mortgage today

Average Mortgage Interest Rates

As briefly mentioned, there are an array of factors that impact the cost of monthly mortgage repayment, however, the mortgage rates also vary between mortgage lenders, the financial products they offer, as well as any promotional offers that are available.

The interest rate applied to a mortgage will also depend on the type of mortgage selected as follows:

  • Fixed-rate – Often securing the interest rate linked to the mortgage for a set period of time, often between 2 and 5 years.
  • Standard variable rate – This is the long-term interest rate often applied to a mortgage following the end of an introductory offer.
  • Tracker – A tracker rate follows the Bank of England base rate at a set percentage higher and will vary from month to month.

Over recent years the interest rates have been very low, however, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Bank of England has held the base interest rate very low at 0.1%, to assist with controlling the economic shock of the pandemic.

Such low-interest rates are very attractive for mortgage applicants if they are in the position to proceed with a mortgage such as having a deposit ready.

According to research undertaken by Statista, in September 2019 the average interest rate was 1.56% for a 2-year fixed-rate mortgage while fixing for 3 years increased the rate slightly to 1.66%.

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

Fixing an interest rate for a longer period of time such as a 10-year fix increased the average interest rate to 2.65%, meanwhile, the average interest rate payable on a 2-year variable mortgage was 1.61%.

Although this study is slightly out of date now, the details still provide an idea of interest rates and the impact of fixing the interest for longer.

We have discussed the type of mortgages in relation to interest, however, another difference between mortgage products is:

  • Standard mortgages – Where the monthly repayments cover both interest and a proportion of repaying the capital.
  • Interest-only mortgages – The capital is not repaid during the term of the mortgage and the monthly repayments are made up solely of interest only. Interest-only mortgages carry higher risks for the lender and therefore will typically incur higher interest rates.

It is important to understand the differences between the types of mortgage when seeking a mortgage.

Also, when researching interest rates offered by lenders it is worth noting that there is often a difference between the advertised rate and the actual interest rate offered depending on the personal circumstances of the applicant.

Apply for a mortgage today

Average Duration of a Mortgage Term

The duration of the mortgage term is another factor that will impact the overall cost of the mortgage. Mortgages available within the UK can be offered as short as 6 months, up to a 40-year term, however, the most common mortgage term is usually around 25 years.

By opting for a longer-term mortgage, the monthly repayments can decrease, however, more interest will be payable by extending the mortgage term. However, the trend of increasing house prices has resulted in the need for longer mortgage terms for the affordability of potential home buyers.

Related guides: 

Average Monthly Payments on a Mortgage

As we have discussed, a mortgage repayment is dependent on a whole range of variables including:

  • The type of mortgage.
  •  The interest rate applicable to the mortgage.
  • Personal circumstances of the applicant, which may alter the interest rate offered by the lender due to risk factors.
  • The amount of deposit.
  • The value of the property.

By altering any of the above variables, the monthly mortgage repayments may change slightly, and therefore significant research should be undertaken before applying for a mortgage. Independent mortgage advisors are best placed to provide advice on the most suitable type of mortgage and find the best deals available on the market.

As mentioned, there are an array of factors that will impact the average monthly mortgage repayment, including differences in property prices depending on the location, therefore national averages are not always very useful due to the range of property prices up and down the country.

As a rough guide, Santander found that in 2018 the average mortgage repayment was £723, with an interest rate of 2.48%.

Related guides: 

Average Total Cost including Interest of a Mortgage

When you consider the total cost of mortgage repayments, many assume that it’s paying for their home, when in reality a lot of the repayment goes towards paying off the interest.

This is for two main reasons:

Firstly, a mortgage amount is a considerable sum of money, so the interest charges on them, particularly on a brand new mortgage is significant. With any type of lending, the higher the sum, the higher the interest.

Secondly, a mortgage term can be over a long duration and so the interest has a long time to grow.

Hence why in many cases, a shorter mortgage term may be preferred. Regardless of the mortgage deal you secure, a considerable amount will be spent on the mortgage interest.

Apply for a mortgage today

Recommended reading for mortgage hunters: 

How to Lower Mortgage Repayments

There are ways of lowering monthly mortgage repayments including:

  •  Increasing the deposit – By putting down a larger deposit, the loan to value changes and therefore the risks decrease to the lender, which can lower the interest rate offered.
  • Opting for an interest-only mortgage – With this option the capital borrowed is not repaid during the mortgage term and therefore an exit strategy is required to repay the capital.
  • Paying off a lump sum of the mortgage – If a mortgage holder faces a change of circumstances, in some cases paying off a lump sum of the mortgage may reduce the monthly repayments. This option would be dependent on the terms of the mortgage as often there is a cap on how much can be overpaid.

If the above options are not viable, it may also be worth exploring if the applicant is eligible for any government schemes available such as Help to Buy or Share Ownership schemes.

Average Mortgage Payment Summary

The cost of mortgage repayments varies greatly depending on a wide range of factors as discussed within this article, however, the mortgage market has become more diverse than ever over recent years and therefore there is a wider range of mortgage products available to suit various personal requirements.

Should you wish to discuss the mortgage options available to you, get in touch with our friendly team to book a consultation.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or feel free to contact us. One of our advisors will be happy to talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: 

Purchasing property via auction has become increasingly popular over recent years due to a number of reasons including the speed of the property transaction, easier access to quick finance methods suitable for buying at auction as well as the cost savings possible.

The speed of the transaction is one of the biggest benefits to purchasing property via auction as the transaction can typically be concluded within 28 days, compared with at least a 12-week duration within a traditional estate agent property purchase.

This guide will explore the process of purchasing property at auction, as well as a comparison between traditional auction processes and modern methods and looking at what needs to be prepared in advance of bidding at an auction.

How Does a Traditional Property Auction work?

Traditional methods of purchasing property via auction would typically involve advertisements in printed newspapers, via estate agents either online, via shop windows or newsletters, ahead of a traditional auction.

All types of property can be purchased via these methods including repossessed properties, uninhabitable or unmortgage property, development projects as well as standard residential property.

Often a guide price is suggested by the auctioneer, and the vendor typically will set a reserve price, which is the minimum price they are willing to accept for the sale transaction to take place.

However, should the auction not reach this reserve price, private negotiations may take place after the auction.

Apply for a mortgage today

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

What is the Process for buying at Auction?

The process for purchasing property at auction is undertaken in stages as follows:

  • Pre-auction works – A significant amount of preparation works are completed ahead of the auction including arranging a formal property valuation, completing pre-exchange legal works and preparing marketing details for the auction itself.

Potential buyers would also need to be prepared ahead of the action by having the deposit ready to put down should they win the auction and have the finances in place ahead of any bids at auction.

Depending on the personal financial circumstances of the potential buyer, and the condition of the property, specialist finances may be required to be in place to enable the bidding.

  • Successful bid during the auction – The bidding takes place at auction and the winning bid would enable the prospective purchaser to move forward onto the next stage of the process.
  • Contracts are exchanged the same day as the auction – At this stage, the potential buyer and vendor are committed to the purchase, and therefore the buyer would lose their deposit should they pull out.
  • The potential buyer pays a 10% deposit the same day as the auction – The potential buyer pays the deposit to secure the property on the same day as the auction and therefore needs funding ready.

As mentioned above, the deposit is non-refundable should the buyer decide to pull out of the property transaction unless it can be proven that the vendor has misled the buyer, or a legal matter arises.

  • Completion – The purchase of the property must be completed within 28 days of the auction. Often there are terms and conditions relating to this strict deadline and therefore if they are not met, penalties are due.

Related guides: 

What should be prepared for ahead of a Property Auction?

Potential Buyer Preparations

As mentioned, should the potential buyer’s bid win at the auction, a 10% deposit is payable the same day and therefore access to funds is required.

Should borrowing be needed, the mortgage offer would need to be in place ahead of the auction to ensure that the 28-day deadline to complete the transaction is met.

The process of applying for a standard residential mortgage would often be too time-consuming ahead of an auction and therefore often other methods of finances are sought.

Commonly, bridging loans are utilised for securing properties sold via auction.

Apply for a mortgage today

Bridging loans are a method of short term secured finance that can be arranged promptly. Typically, a lender’s decision on a bridging loan application will be received within 24 hours which is an ideal pace for preparing finances quickly ahead of an auction.

A bridging loan enables a property transaction to take place without delay by applying the equity owned within a current property as a deposit towards another property. The result is that the mortgage holder owns multiple properties while further transactions are proceeding.

Depending on the plans of the purchaser there are a number of options either to develop and sell on the property or refinance once a mortgage offer is in place.

Related guides: 

Vendor Preparations

From a vendor’s perspective, there are often legal preparations to undertake before selling property at auction including;

  •  A Memorandum of Sale.
  • Any Special Conditions of Sale.
  • Completing Local Searches.
  • Completing Land Registry Searches.
  • Providing Proof of Title.
  • Providing copies of any leases that affect the property.

Preparing the above documentation can speed up the property transaction however the potential purchaser can choose to commission their own checks as they may not wish to rely on the vendor’s documentation provided.

Potential buyers wishing to undertake their own legal research should do so ahead of the auction as once the contracts are exchanged on the day of the auction, both parties are committed to the transaction no matter if issues are later identified following undertaking further research.

Quick help mortgage guides: 

How does the modern method of auction work?

Traditionally property auctions would take place at an auction house, however, modern property auctions are carried out online.

The process would usually involve a vendor selecting local estate agents to carry out property viewings in order to generate interest. Potential buyers are then invited to submit their bid online.

Similar to a traditional auction, the vendor can set the rules of the auction including setting a reserve price, however, one main difference is that the timeframe for accepting bids would often span 30 days or more, however, this duration can be shorter should the vendor require a quicker sale.

Apply for a mortgage today

Should a bid be accepted, the buyer is required to pay a non-refundable reservation fee to secure the transaction.

Such fees are often up to 5% of the property purchase price and are the costs associated with the auction rather than a part payment of the property costs. The reservation fee is only refundable if the failure of the completion is due to the vendor.

The modern method of auctioning not only provides a longer bidding timeframe but the deadlines for completing the transaction are also longer.

A potential buyer within a modern auction would have 56 days to exchange contracts and a further 28 days to complete the transaction, and therefore there is more time to secure finances.

What are the Advantages of the methods of auction?

There are differences between the traditional and modern auctions, however, the advantages would depend on if you are a vendor or potential purchaser. The advantages are summarised below:

Traditional Auction Modern Auction

  • The legal commitment to the property transaction is in place on the day of the auction. The potential buyer has to pay the 10% deposit, providing security to the seller should the transaction fall through.
  • Properties that are in a condition that is deemed un-mortgageable can be sold promptly to cash buyers via a traditional auction.
  • The speed of the property transaction via a traditional auction is often favourable for both parties.
  • There is a longer timeframe for the property transaction to complete within via a modern auction, which enables potential buyers more time to arrange finances.
  • The bidding window is open longer and therefore the vendor may receive a wider range of bids from an array of potential vendors, including those that would not commonly attend a traditional auction house.

Recommended reading for mortgage hunters: 

Modern Method of Auction Summary

There are many benefits from purchasing property via auctions, however, research and preparations are required to ensure that the process runs smoothly and that the property is in a condition as expected.

Once a winning bid is received at auction, the buyer is legally committed to the transaction and therefore cannot pull out without losing their deposit.

In addition, in order to undertake the necessary research, a potential buyer would need to settle the costs of a property valuation and legal fees prior to the auction, without certainty that they will win at the auction and therefore there is a level of risk involved.

Therefore a potential buyer should be certain that they are ready to proceed with the purchase before attending the auction.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or feel free to contact us. One of our advisors will be happy to talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: 

Are you wondering what mortgage you can get for £500 a month?

Mortgage advisors are often asked how much can be borrowed while keeping monthly mortgage repayments on target, however, this question isn’t as simple as it seems!

There are many variables that impact the total amount that can be borrowed from mortgage lenders depending on:

  • An applicant’s personal circumstances.
  • The mortgage product chosen including the term of the mortgage.
  • The interest rate set.
  • Property value.
  • Value of the deposit.

In addition, it is also worth bearing in mind that the overall cost of a mortgage should not only be assessed by the cost of the monthly repayments.

There are also other considerations including the value of other fees such as application fees, arrangement fees, valuation fees, broker fees and transaction fees.

In this guide, we will explore further the variations that impact the total amount that can be borrowed on a mortgage as well as other considerations.

Apply for a mortgage today

How Much can be Borrowed for £500 Monthly Mortgage Repayments?

As mentioned, there is not a simple answer to how much can be borrowed keeping mortgage payments at £500 per month, due to the varying factors involved.

As a very rough guide, a standard repayment mortgage value of £112,000 taken over a term of 25 years, with an interest rate of 2.5% would set monthly repayments at around £502.45. The monthly repayments could be approximately half the cost of an interest-only mortgage is chosen.

However, such examples must be taken as illustrations only as so many elements would depend on a potential mortgage applicant’s personal circumstances, including employment status and income levels, as well as the property itself and the proposed loan to value rate.

In addition, there will be differences between lenders on how much they are prepared to lend depending on their borrowing criteria.

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

Property prices range vastly up and down the country and therefore depending on the desired location, a mortgage value of £112,000 as seen in the above example, may not stretch very far!

In locations with higher value properties, larger deposits would be needed or other methods to keep the costs affordable such as government schemes, should the mortgage applicant be eligible, such as Help to Buy or Share Ownership schemes.

There are various websites that provide mortgage calculators that estimate the value of a mortgage that could be offered without impacting a credit score by applying for a mortgage. While undertaking research into the mortgage market, such calculators may be a useful tool.

Once initial research has been completed, it is strongly advised that the assistance of an Independent mortgage advisor is sought to advise on the most suitable type of mortgage for the applicant’s personal circumstances, and to find the best deals available on the market.

Apply for a mortgage today

What Factors will Impact the Total Mortgage Offer?

In addition to a mortgage applicant’s employment status and income, mortgage lenders often have further borrowing criteria that assess mortgage applicants on other elements such as their credit scores and age.

Each mortgage lender will have slightly different lending criteria and therefore to obtain an insight into which lenders would be the most appropriate, it is strongly advised to seek advice from an independent mortgage advisor.

Related guides: 

What Type of Mortgage Would Keep my Monthly Mortgage Repayments low?

There are a number of ways to keep the monthly mortgage repayments low as follows:

  • Extending the mortgage term – Opting to take a mortgage over a longer-term can reduce the monthly repayments amounts, however, the overall cost of the mortgage will increase due to paying interest for a longer-term.
  • Increasing the level of deposit – By putting down a larger deposit, the loan to value changes and therefore the risks decrease to the lender. It is common for lenders to provide mortgage terms, including interest rate depending on loan to value rate, and therefore should it be possible for an applicant to increase their deposit, they are likely to receive more favourable mortgage terms.
  • Choosing a Variable Interest Mortgage – A standard variable rate mortgage is a type of mortgage product where the interest rate can fluctuate, and therefore the level of repayments can also change. The interest rate is set by the mortgage lender however it is also linked to the Bank of England base rate, which as we have already discussed, is very low at present.

Often mortgage holders are moved onto a standard variable rate product following the end of an introductory offer on a mortgage such as a fixed-rate period.

Fixed-rate mortgages provide consistency to the mortgage holder as the payments remain the same each month, however, overall fixing the mortgage interest rate can be more expensive over the longer term.

  • Opting for an interest-only mortgage – With this option the capital borrowed is not repaid during the mortgage term and therefore an exit strategy is required to repay the capital, however in some circumstances interest only mortgages may be suitable and can keep the monthly costs down significantly.

Related guides: 

What Interest Rates Would Be Applicable for a Mortgage with £500 Monthly Repayments?

The interest rate attributed to a mortgage is not set depending on the value of the monthly repayments. The interest rate on mortgages is often calculated by the criteria set by the lender as well as the Bank of England base interest rate.

Currently, the Bank of England base rate is set at a very low rate of 0.1%, to assist with controlling the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic. Such low-interest rates are very attractive for mortgage applicants, should they be in a position to proceed with an application.

Apply for a mortgage today

Summary – What mortgage can I get for £500 a month?

The total value that a mortgage lender will be prepared to lend varies greatly depending on a wide range of factors as discussed within this article, however typically the loan to value rate and personal circumstances are the biggest factor.

Should you wish to discuss the mortgage options that may be available to you, as well as discuss edibility, contact us today to arrange an initial consultation with our mortgage advisors.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or feel free to contact us. One of our advisors will be happy to talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: